What We Do

Our mission is to maintain a leadership role in the community through programs, services and events that enhance the quality, general welfare and economic well-being of businesses owned by, associated with, serving or supporting persons with disabilities in Hawaii. Click READ MORE to quickly see some of the actions we doing to make a difference.

How to Conduct the Survey

Start Outside

Start from site arrival points such as drop-off areas and public sidewalks and determine if there is an accessible route to an accessible entrance. If there is a parking lot or garage check for the correct number of accessible parking spaces, including van-accessible spaces. Is there an accessible route from the accessible parking spaces to an accessible entrance? Next survey the entrances. If there is an accessible entrance, determine if there are signs at inaccessible entrances directing people to the accessible entrance. Go inside and continue through the facility and the checklist.

Keep Good Notes

Write on the front of each checklist where you are surveying. You may end up with six toilet room checklists. When you get back to your office you’ll want to know which one is the checklist for the first floor women’s room. If there isn’t an accessible entrance you’ll want to indicate how many steps there are and how much space is available to install a ramp or lift. This is a good time to take photographs.

Good Measurements

When in doubt write it down. It’s better to have too much information than not enough. Even if something is in compliance it’s helpful to have exact measurements.

Parking Spaces

Measure from the inside edge of the painted line to the inside of the opposite painted line or edge of space.

Door Clear Width

Open the door 90 degrees, measure from the face of the door to the edge of the door stop.

Door Opening Force

If you’re using a door pressure gauge, place it where you would push open the door.

If you’re using a fish scale, place it where you would pull open the door.

Accessible Slopes

You can measure slope with a 24 inch level and a tape measure. Put the level on the surface in the direction you are measuring. Put one end at the high point of the surface and raise the other end so that the bubble is in the middle of the level’s gauge. The level is now level. Measure the distance between the end of the level at its bottom point and the surface.

For a ramp the maximum running slope allowed is 1:12. That means for every inch of height change there should be at least 12 inches of ramp run. If the distance between the bottom of the level and the ramp surface is 2 inches or less, then the slope is 1:12 or less (2:24 = 1:12 and 1.5:24 = 1:16 which is a more gradual slope than 1:12). If the distance is greater than 2 inches, the ramp is too steep. For example, if the distance is 3 inches, then the slope is 1:8 (3:24 = 1:8 which is a steeper slope than 1:12).

For the parts of an accessible route that aren’t a ramp, the maximum running slope allowed is 1:20. That means for every inch of height change there must be at least 20 inches of route run. The distance from the bottom edge of the level to the surface should be no more than 1.2 inches (1.2:24 = 1:20).

For the cross slope of an accessible route the maximum slope allowed is 1:48. The distance from the bottom edge of the level to the surface should be no more than ½ inch (.5:24 = 1:48). The cross slope of an accessible route is the slope that is perpendicular to the direction of pedestrian travel.

Slopes may also be measured using a digital level. Be sure to read the instructions. Measure with the percent calculation rather than the degrees calculation. For a ramp the maximum running slope allowed is 8.33% (8.33% is a 1:12 slope). For an accessible route without a ramp the maximum running slope allowed is 5% (1:20). For the cross slope of an accessible route the maximum slope allowed is 2.083% (1:48).

Check that You Got Everything

Before you leave the site review all the checklists. Make sure you know which checklist goes with which entrance and which toilet room and that you’ve got all the information you need. It is better to do it now than to have to go back.

After the Survey

List Barriers and Solutions

Consider the solutions listed beside each question on the checklist and add your own ideas. Consult with building contractors and equipment suppliers to estimate the costs for making modifications.

Develop an Implementation Plan

Although an implementation plan is not required, the Department of Justice recommends such a plan, specifying what barriers will be removed and when solutions will occur: "...Such a plan...could serve as evidence of a good faith effort to comply..." Prioritize items, make a timeline and develop a budget. Where the removal of barriers is not readily achievable, consider whether there are alternative methods for providing access that are readily achievable such as curbside takeout service at a restaurant with an accessible intercom system outside.

Make Changes

Use the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Note: Until March 15, 2012 the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design may be used for readily achievable barrier removal. Check whether local and state building codes require greater accessibility when alterations are undertaken.

Follow Up

Review the implementation plan each year to evaluate whether more access improvements have become readily achievable.

Launch of the Chamber of Commerce for Persons with Disabilities - Hawaii

Sept. 30, 2013 Honolulu, Hawaii The Chamber of Commerce for Persons with Disabilities - Hawaii is introducing its officers, directors and members with a public presentation outlining the multiple employment, partnering, and ownership opportunities currently available through the chamber, its members and partners. Vice Speaker for the Hawaii House of Representatives, John Mizuno, will be presenting a special certificate to the chamber.

On May 15...

when I go to the airport, I can't simply board the airplane like all the other passengers. I use a power wheelchair and I can't take it on board with me. So to travel by plane, I have to be lifted by strangers from my own wheelchair into an ill-fitting chair to get down the aisle to my seat. I'm a big guy – 6' 2" and 230 pounds – so lifting me is no small feat.

I'm forced to stow my personal wheelchair below the plane with no guarantee that it will come back in one piece. This chair was made just for me, and cost about $40,000. Proper seating is really important to my health. I might develop pressure sores from the airline seat which could put me in the hospital or worse.

Everyone...

with or without a disability, should have the right to travel safely and in comfort. That's why I'm meeting with policy-makers in Washington next week.

In 2012, when I was a National Representative for Easter Seals, my family drove from Indiana to New Orleans to San Diego and back. These were long drives, but they were our only option because airlines cannot accommodate me.

I Propose...

that I, and other people who use power wheelchairs, be able to use our power chairs as our seat so we do not have to transfer in and out, avoiding health concerns and comfort issues.

Everyone – absolutely everyone – should be able to see the world. If you agree, please add your name to my proposal now. Then help me get at least 2,000 people behind me by sharing the petition with everyone you know.

See Video

Question?

What is classified as a disability?

Here is the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (Blue Book- June 2011)
The following sections are applicable to individuals age 18 and over and to children under age 18 where criteria are appropriate.